Category: From the Pastor’s Desk (Page 35 of 68)

Dear Parishioners and Visitors:

In September 2012, people across the USA were shocked by news reports and  photos of fetal remains discovered in a Michigan dumpster.  For many, this discovery resulted in retraumatizing individuals—women and men alike—who had been associated with abortions performed long ago.  Right away, the mental-health therapists at Catholic Charities NH engaged in specialized training, “Project Rachel Ministry,” to help these individuals deal with residual post-abortion symptoms of anxiety, depression, guilt, and grief.  With the subject of abortion so prominent in the headlines again, be assured that forgiveness, hope, and healing is available in your own community.  Through the emotional and spiritual support, including the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Project Rachel has helped many women and men find the Lord’s peace and healing in their hearts and  souls.

If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential,  nonjudgmental help is available through the Diocese of Manchester’s “Project Rachel Ministry.”  Call or email—Phone:  603-663-0192; email:  projectrachel@rcbm.org.

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney

Please welcome back Fr. Theo Mbaegbu.  Who will be joining us again to celebrate Holy Mass for the weekend of June 25 & 26, 2022

Please Join Us
On Saturday, June 25, following the 4:30 PM Mass all are invited to stay and join the prayer service for the Enthronement & Consecration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus & the Immaculate Heart of Mary          

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

   There is a popular saying that the month of June is dedicated to dads and grads.  In Church circles, likewise, it is a time of ordinations and confirmations!

                          It was a pleasure to witness last Saturday morning the ordinations of three new priests ordained by Bishop Libasci at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Manchester.  Those ordained were Father Daniel Mikolajewski, Father Cuong Van Nguyen, and Father Roarke (Rory) Trayno.  Ad multos annos to our new priests.  Please continue your prayers for vocations to priesthood and religious life.

We wish many rich blessings also to our newly confirmed and Eucharistized here at Saint Joseph Parish:  Ollie Bujeaud, Nolan Haynes, Max Fabrizio, and Owen Schirduan!

This year, there is a renewed effort to emphasize the importance of the Most Holy Eucharist in our midst – the source and summit of our existence.  Please mark your calendars with the following events:

Solemnity of Corpus Christi Procession

There is a time-honored tradition of celebrating the Solemnity of Corpus Christi with a Procession of the Most Holy Eucharist.  Bishop Libasci has asked parishes throughout the Diocese of Manchester to carry the Blessed Sacrament in procession outside the church building as a means of bringing Christ to the world.   As such, following the 10:00 A.M. Mass on Sunday, June 19, 2022, parishioners and visitors are invited to join our parish’s procession, which will begin with prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, continue with the Procession around the perimeter of the church property, and end with Reposition.  

Diocesan-Parish Enthronement & Consecration of the   Sacred Heart of Jesus & the Immaculate Heart of Mary

These pietistic and holy liturgical celebrations will be prayed immediately following the 4:30 P.M. Mass on Saturday, June 25, 2022.  (More information is available at www.catholicnh.org)

The National Eucharistic Revival

Please mark your calendars for a diocesan-wide celebration of “The National Eucharistic Revival,” which will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford. Details are available at www.catholicnh.org.

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John J. Mahoney

    Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

             “It has been a wonderful journey with the boys, and I look forward to celebrating this very special day with them!”  Those are the sentiments of our Faith Formation Director, Paula King, expressing her happiness in recommending her students for advancement to a new level of commitment in the Catholic Church.

Our parish community looks forward to welcoming Bishop Peter A. Libasci to Saint Joseph Church at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, June 10, to celebrate for us and with us the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist!

The Risen Lord stressed unity among the first disciples upon whom he bestowed the Holy Spirit.  Unity is an essential component of the Pentecost experience, and one which manifests itself, even today, as the diversity of spiritual fruits and gifts endowed are joined collectively to produce the fullness of God’s love and ministry in our faith community. 

The four boys receiving these initiatory Sacraments are Ollie Bujeaud, Nolan Haynes, Max Fabrizio, and Owen Schirduan.  The rehearsal will be held from 5:00—5:30 P.M. on Wednesday, June 8, in the church.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available thereafter to the boys, and to anyone else wishing absolution. 

Sacraments signify what they effect.  Whereas Confirmation and First Eucharist signify continuing commitment, unity, and service, the rehearsal on Wednesday constitutes a teaching moment about these important components of parish life and the sacramental life of the whole church; as such, attendance at the rehearsal is mandatory. 

All parishioners and visitors are most welcome to join in the sending of the Holy Spirit at the celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, June 10, 2022.  In the meantime, please keep our Faith Formation teachers and students in your prayers.

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney    

Wishing God’s blessing on all mothers, living and deceased, on this Mother’s Day.